SECURE METER ACCESS FROM A MOBILE READER

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Historically, the meter readings that measure consumption of resources such as water, gas, or electricity has been accomplished manually by human meter readers at the customers' premises. The relatively recent advances in this area include collection of data by telephone lines, radio transmission, walk-by, or drive-by reading systems using radio communications between the meters and the meter reading devices. Although some of these methods require close physical proximity to the meters, they have become more desirable than the manual reading and recording of meter readings. In this regard, there has been a concerted effort to automate the collection of meter readings through the implementation of devices and messaging systems that allow data to flow from the meter to a host computing system with little or no human intervention. These systems are referred to in the art as Automated Metering Infrastructure ("AMI") and Automated Meter Reading ("AMR") systems.

[0002] In AMI and AMR systems, a transmitter/receiver may be implemented within a meter in order to encode and transmit data utilizing radio-based communications. The transmitter/receiver is a meter interface device attached to the meter, which either periodically transmits consumption data ("bubble-up") or receives a "wake up" polling signal containing a request for their meter information.

[0003] As increasing numbers of AMI/AMR systems are implemented, security has become increasingly more important, particularly from tampering with meters. As those skilled in the art will recognize, tampering with a meter may come in many different forms, all of which obtain unauthorized access to a meter for illegitimate purposes. To provide secure ways of communicating, asymmetric key cryptographic techniques have been implemented to secure communications between devices in a fixed network. In this instance, a service provider may utilize a private key to encode a digital signature for transmission to a meter. The source of a communication may be verified at a meter using a widely distributed public-key. Through the decoding of the digital signature, information may be securely exchanged between a meter and other devices in a fixed network. In this instance, the private key used to create a digital signature may be maintained at a centralized and physically secure location. In other words, data may be transmitted by a service provider over the fixed network without a private key that is used to encode the data being widely distributed.

[0004] However, mobile meter readers may be used to interact and communicate with meters. A deficiency in existing systems is the inability to provide a way of securely accessing a meter from a mobile meter reader. Preferably, access to a meter would be managed at a centralized computer system that is responsible for providing authorizations to mobile meter readers.

[0005] US patent application US2005/1444437 is further background art.

SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to improved processes for performing secure communications with a meter. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of providing a mobile meter reader with an authorization for establishing a secure session with a meter is implemented. In particular, the method includes issuing a request for authorization to access the meter from the mobile meter reader. If the mobile meter reader maintains sufficient rights, an authorization having an encoded digital signature is generated at a host computer system and provided to the mobile meter reader. Then, the method formulates and transmits an authorization command to the meter having the encoded digital signature that was generated by the host computing system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative metering environment suitable for collecting data from meters;

FIGURE 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of a mobile meter reader suitable for establishing a secure session with a meter;

FIGURE 3 is a block diagram illustrating the interactions between applications for performing secure communications with a meter;

FIGURES 4A-4B are flow diagrams depicting exemplary routines for obtaining authorization to access a meter from a host computing system; and

FIGURE 5 is a flow diagram of one exemplary routine for establishing a secure session with a meter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings where like numerals reference like elements is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In this regard, the following disclosure first provides a general description of a meter reading system in which the disclosed subject matter may be implemented. Then, exemplary routines for securely accessing a meter from a mobile meter reader will be described. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.

[0010] Referring now to FIGURE 1, the following is intended to provide a general description of one embodiment of a communications system, such as a meter reading system 100, suitable for illustrating aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In one embodiment, the meter reading system 100 may be an AMI or AMR system that reads and monitors meters remotely. Generally described, the meter reading system 100 depicted in FIGURE 1 includes a plurality of meters 102, a collection system 106, and a host computing system 110. The meters 102 are associated with, for example, transmitters/receivers for obtaining data, such as meter data (e.g., consumption data, tampering data, etc.) therefrom. The meters 102 in the meter reading system 100 may be a wired or wireless communications device capable of performing two-way communications with the collection system 106 utilizing AMI/AMR protocols. For example, the meters 102 are capable of receiving data (e.g., messages, commands, etc.) from the collection system 106 and transmitting meter data or other information to the collection system 106. Depending on the exact configuration and types of devices used, the meters 102 transmit standard meter readings either periodically ("bubble-up") in response to a wake-up signal or in a combination/hybrid configuration. In each instance, the meters 102 are configured to exchange data with one or more devices of the collection system 106.

[0011] Still referring to FIGURE 1, the collection system 106 collects meter reading data and other data from the plurality of meters 102, processes the data, and forwards the data to the host computing system 110 of the utility service provider 112. The collection system 106 may employ any number of AMI/AMR protocols and devices to communicate with the meters 102. In the embodiment shown, the collection system 106, for example, may include a handheld meter reader 120 capable of radio-based collection and/or manual entry of meter readings. The collection system 106 may also include a mobile collection unit 122 (e.g., utility vehicle), configured with a radio transmitter/receiver for collecting meter readings within a drive-by coverage area. Collectively, these types of devices that are configured for the mobile collection of meter reading data will be referred to herein as a "mobile meter reader." In addition, the collection system 106, may also include, for example, a fixed network comprised of one or more fixed collection units 124. Each of the meter reading devices 120-124 may collect either directly from the meters 102, or indirectly via one or more optional repeaters 126. Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that other types of devices may be used then those illustrated in FIGURE 1 and the specific device as illustrated should be construed as exemplary.

[0012] In the embodiment depicted in FIGURE 1, the collection system 106 is configured to forward meter readings to the host computing system 110 over a wide area network 114, which may be implemented utilizing TCP/IP Protocols (e.g., Internet), GPRS or other cellular-based protocols, Ethernet, WiFi, Broadband Over Power Line, and combinations thereof, etc. In one aspect, the collection system 106 serves as the bridge for transmitting data between devices that utilize AMI/AMR protocols (e.g., the meters 102) with computers (e.g., the host computing system 110) coupled to the wide area network 114. As mentioned previously, the collection system 106 is configured to receive meter reading data from one or more meters 102. The received data may be parsed and repackaged into a structured format suitable for transmission over the wide area network 114 to the host computing system 110. In this regard, meter reading data may be aggregated in a data store maintained at the host computing system 110. Accordingly, the host computing system 110 includes application logic for reading, processing, and managing the collection of meter data.

[0013] The discussion provided above with reference to FIGURE 1 is intended as a brief, general description of one meter reading system 100 suitable for implementing aspects of the disclosed subject matter. While the description above is made with reference to particular devices linked together through different interfaces, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the claimed subject matter may be implemented in other contexts. In this regard, the claimed subject matter may be practiced using different types of devices and communication interfaces than those illustrated in FIGURE 1.

[0014] Now with reference to FIGURE 2, one exemplary component architecture for a mobile meter reader 200 will be described. As mentioned previously with reference to FIGURE 1, the mobile meter reader 200 may be a handheld meter reader 120, a mobile collection unit 122 (e.g., utility vehicle), or any other device configured to perform mobile collection of meter reading data. Generally described, the mobile meter reader 200 includes a processor 202, a memory 204, and a clock 206 interconnected via one or more buses 208. In addition, the mobile meter reader 200 includes a network interface 210 comprising components for communicating with other devices over the wide area network 114 (FIGURE 1), utilizing any appropriate protocol, such as GPRS or other cellular-based protocols, WiFi, and combinations thereof, etc. As further depicted in FIGURE 2, the mobile meter reader 200 includes a radio-based communication device 212 for transmitting/receiving wireless communications with other radio-based devices (e.g., the meters 102). In particular, the communication device 212 includes at least one transceiver, transmitter-receiver, or the like, generally designated 218, of half-duplex (transmit or receive but not both simultaneously) or full-duplex design (transmit and receive simultaneously) that is capable of identifying, locating, and tracking signals that originate from the meters 102.

[0015] The memory 204 depicted in FIGURE 2 is one example of computer-readable media suitable for storing data that is used to implement aspects of the disclosed subject matter. As used herein, the term "computer-readable media" includes volatile and non-volatile and removable and non-removable memory implemented in any method or technology capable of storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. In this regard, the memory 204 depicted in FIGURE 2 is one example of a computer-readable media but other types of computer-readable media may be used.

[0016] As illustrated in FIGURE 2, the memory 204 includes an authentication application 220 for allowing secure communications to be exchanged with one or more meters. In existing systems, a public key may be distributed to each meter in an AMI/AMR system to facilitate secure communication over a fixed network. The public key is used to decode a received digital signature and authenticate that a communication originated from a utility service provider. Unfortunately, the mobile meter reader 200 may have limited or intermittent network connectivity with the host computing system 110 over the wide area network 114. Distributing a private key to mobile meter readers for use in the field represents an unacceptable security vulnerability. Accordingly, the paradigm for authenticating communications in a fixed network is not readily applied to mobile devices such as the mobile meter reader 200. In one aspect, logic is implemented that allows the mobile meter reader 200 to serve as a conduit for interacting with meters in a way that leverages the paradigm of performing secure communications in a fixed network. In this regard, asymmetric key cryptographic techniques are employed to authenticate the mobile meter reader 200. Significantly, the authentication is performed without a private key being made available to the mobile meter reader 200. Instead, the authorization application 220 provides a way of securely accessing the meter 102 without distribution of a private key to the mobile meter reader 200. As a result, the loss or theft of the mobile meter reader 200 will not result in an unauthorized entity gaining access to the private key. Routines that implement aspects of the authorization application 220 will be described below with reference to FIGURES 4A-5.

[0017] Now with reference to FIGURE 3, a general overview of the applications used to implement aspects of the disclosed subject matter is described. In this regard, FIGURE 3 includes the host computing system 110, mobile meter reader 200, and meters 102 described above with reference to FIGURES 1 and 2. In this regard, the host computing system 110 maintains a collection application 302 for storing and managing the collection of meter reading data obtained from the meters 102. Processing is performed to analyze collected data and determine whether commands or additional requests for data will be propagated to the meters 102. Alternatively, service personnel may interact with the collection application 302 to initiate interactions with the meters 102. In one aspect, the collection application 302 interacts with the authorization application 220 to manage access to the meters 102. In this regard, the collection application 302 may generate a digital signature when the authorization application 220 issues a request to establish a secure session with the meter 102. The authorization application 220 may use the digital signature to initiate a secure session with the meter 102. In turn, the firmware 304 implemented at the meter 102 uses a public key to decode the digital signature originating from the host computing system 110. In instances when the digital signature is validated, a secure session between the mobile meter reader 200 and meter 102 may be established. Significantly, the logic collectively implemented by the collection application 302, the authorization application 220, and the meter firmware 304 allow a mobile meter reader 200 to perform secure communications with the meter 102 without having access to the private key used to create the digital signature.

[0018] The flow of data between applications in accordance with one embodiment is further depicted in FIGURE 3. At event (1), the authorization application 220 executed on the mobile meter reader 200 determines that a secure communication with the meter 102 will be performed. Then, at event (2), the authentication application 220 generates and transmits a request for authorization to access a particular meter to the host computing system 110. In some instances, a network connection with the host computing system 110 may not be available from the mobile meter reader 200. Accordingly, the transmission of the request, at event (2), may occur, for example, as a batch process in anticipation of using the mobile meter reader 200 in the field. Alternatively, the authorization application 220 may generate the request dynamically, at event (2), if a network connection will be available to the mobile meter reader 200.

[0019] Upon receipt of the request, the collection application 302 determines whether the mobile meter reader 200 is authorized to access the meter 102, at event (3). In instances when a determination is made to allow access, a private key is used to create a digital signature suitable for validating that the utility service provider is the source a communication. In this regard, the digital signature created at the host computing system 110 and transmitted to the mobile meter reader 200, at event (4), is encoded such that the private key is not made available to the mobile meter reader 200. Instead, access to the private key is tightly controlled at the host computing system 110 without being distributed to the mobile meter reader 200. Once the mobile meter reader 200 receives the digital signature, at event (4), the authorization application 220 may formulate an authentication command to establish a secure session with the meter 102. Then, at event (5), a communication that includes the authentication command and digital signature is transmitted to the meter 102. The meter firmware 304 decodes the digital signature in the authentication command using a widely distributed public-key, at event (6). In turn, the meter 102 may return an acknowledgment that the secure session was established and/or any requested data to the mobile meter reader, at event (7). During the secure session, the mobile meter reader 200 may formulate and transmit additional commands that are satisfied by the meter 102 without requiring additional communications with the host computing system 110.

[0020] Now, with reference to FIGURES 4A-B, routines 400 and 450 for obtaining an authorization to access a mobile meter reader will be described. In some instances, a mobile meter reader is able to maintain network connectivity with a service provider while in the field. For example, if the route for collecting meter readings is in a geographic area where wireless connectivity is available, than the mobile meter reader may be able to query and perform network communications with the host computing system 110 on demand. In this embodiment, the dynamic authorization routine 400 (FIGURE 4A) may be used to obtain real-time authorization to access a meter. However, in other instances, wireless connectivity may be intermittent or unavailable. Moreover, a mobile meter reader may not be configured with hardware and/or software components for performing network communications. In this instance, the batch authorization routine 450 (FIGURE 4B) may be used to obtain authorization to access a meter. In each of these embodiments, authorizations for access provided to the mobile meter reader is managed and controlled from a centralized location, namely, the host computing system 110.

[0021] As illustrated in FIGURE 4A, the dynamic authorization routine 400 begins at block 402, where a mobile meter reader identifies a particular meter in which secure communications will be performed. As mentioned previously, existing metering infrastructure allows a mobile meter reader to communicate with a meter. For example, some existing meters may be configured to periodically transmit a standard consumption message. The standard consumption message typically includes a serial number that uniquely identifies the meter where the message originated. By way of another example, the mobile meter reader may transmit a "wake-up" signal to initiate communication and obtain a standard consumption message from a meter. In this instance, the mobile meter reader may perform a login with the meter in order to obtain a standard consumption message. The login procedure may request and obtain a password before granting read-only access to meter data. In this regard, some meters may be configured to require completion of a password-protected login procedure before any meter data can be accessed. Aspects of the disclosed subject are compatible with different types of meters including meters that require this type of login procedure to be performed.

[0022] At block 404 of the dynamic authorization routine 400, the mobile meter reader establishes a secure session with the host collection system 110. In one embodiment, the secure session established at block 404 may utilize conventional IP-based handshake protocols, such as the Secure Socket Layer ("SSL") protocol. As those skilled in the art and others will recognize, conventional IP-based protocols such as SSL provide a way of encapsulating and exchanging authentication information. Once established, only encrypted information is communicated between remote devices that are participating in the session. In this regard, the secure session may be established at block 404 using components of the network interface 210 described above with reference to FIGURE 2.

[0023] At block 406 of the dynamic authorization routine 400, the mobile meter reader requests authorization from the host computing system 110 to access a meter. Specifically, the mobile meter reader generates and transmits a communication within the secure session established at block 404 that includes the request. The communication may include a unique serial number associated with the meter identified at block 402 and the level of access rights being requested. In one embodiment, the host computing system 110 maintains a data store for tracking which meters may be accessed by a mobile meter reader. Moreover, the data store also tracks the level of access rights that may be granted to implement the desired functionality. Upon receiving the request at block 406, a lookup is performed in the data store maintained at the host computing system 110. Based on the lookup, a determination is made, at block 408, regarding whether access to the meter will be granted. In instances when the mobile meter reader does not have authorization to access the meter, the request received at block 406 is denied and the dynamic authorization routine 400 proceeds to block 412, where it terminates. Conversely, if the mobile meter reader is authorized to access the meter, the dynamic authorization routine 400 proceeds to block 410.

[0024] At block 410, a digital signature is created using a private key that is centrally managed at the host computing system 110. Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that a digital signature is a set of encoded data that uniquely identifies the source of a transmission. In this regard, the process of creating a digital signature may involve encoding data into a seemingly unintelligible form using a "hash" function. Any modifications after encoding will result in values indicative of tampering when the digital signature is decoded, Accordingly, the digital signature can not readily be forged and insures that data being communicated over a network connection has not been altered. Once generated, the digital signature is returned to the requesting mobile meter reader over the secure SSL connection. Then, the dynamic authorization routine 400 proceeds to block 412, where it terminates. As described in further detail below with reference to FIGURE 5, the mobile meter reader may use the digital signature provided by the host computing system 110 to be authenticated by a meter.

[0025] Now with reference to FIGURE 4B, a batch authorization routine 450 for obtaining authorization to access a mobile meter reader is described. As illustrated in FIGURE 4B, the batch authorization routine 450 begins at block 452, where a mobile meter reader identifies one or more meters in which secure access will be performed. In instances when an IP network connection will not be available, authorizations may be obtained from the host computing system 110 in preparation of proceeding into the field. At a service provider depot, a mobile meter reader may interface with the host computing system 110 to request one or more authorizations. In this regard, existing systems may be used to identify which meters are scheduled to be accessed by the mobile meter reader.

[0026] At block 454 of the batch authorization routine 400, the mobile meter reader issues a batch request for authorization to access a plurality of meters. A mobile meter reader may regularly interface with the host computing system 110 over a local network connection, direct communication link, etc. For example, meter readings collected and stored locally on the mobile meter reader may be synchronized with data maintained at the host computing system 110 upon completion of being used in the field. Once a connection exists, a request for authorization to access at least one meter in anticipation of performing future field work may be generated and communicated to the host computing system 110. Similar to the description provided with reference to FIGURE 4A, the request communicated to the host computing system 110 may include a unique serial number associated with the meters scheduled to be accessed and the level of access rights that is being requested.

[0027] At block 456 of the batch authorization routine 450, a meter identified in a batch authorization request is selected. Then, at block 458, a determination is made regarding whether the mobile meter reader will be granted access to the selected meter. As mentioned previously, the host computing system 110 maintains a data store for tracking which meters may be accessed by a particular mobile meter reader and the level of access rights that may be granted. Upon selecting a meter, a lookup is performed in the data store. Based on the lookup, a determination is made, at block 458, regarding whether to grant the mobile meter reader access to the selected meter. In instances when sufficient access rights do not exist, the request to access the meter is denied and the batch authorization routine 450 proceeds to block 462 described in further detail below. Conversely, if sufficient rights to access the meter exist, the batch authorization routine 450 proceeds to block 460.

[0028] At block 460, a digital signature is created at the host computing system 110 using a tightly-controlled private key. As mentioned previously, a digital signature may be used to validate the source of a transmission. In this regard, the process of creating the digital signature may involve encoding data into a seemingly unintelligible form using a "hash" function. Any modifications after encoding will result in result values indicative of tampering when the digital signature is decoded. Once generated, the digital signature is returned to the mobile meter reader and maintained in local storage.

[0029] At decision block 462, a determination is made regarding whether any additional meters will be selected by the batch authorization routine 450. Each meter in the batch is sequentially selected and a determination is made regarding whether access to the meter will be granted. In instances when access will be granted, a digital signature is provided and stored locally on the mobile meter reader. In this regard, the digital signature may be subsequently retrieved from storage and used in the field to gain secure access to a particular meter. In instances when the result of the test performed at block 464 is "yes" and additional meters will be selected, the batch authorization routine 450 proceeds back to block 454 and blocks 454-462 repeat. Once all of the meters in the batch have been selected, the result of the test performed at block 462 will be "no" and the batch authorization routine 450 proceeds to block 464, where it terminates.

[0030] It should be well understood that the dynamic authorization routine 400 and batch authorization routine 450 described above with reference to FIGURES 4A-B do not show all of the functions performed when managing access to one or more meters. Instead, the routines 400 and 450 provide embodiments that should be construed as exemplary. Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that some functions and/or exchanges of data described above may be performed in a different order, omitted/added, or otherwise varied without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0031] Now, with reference to FIGURE 5, an access routine 500 for establishing a secure communication session with a meter will be described. In the embodiment described above with reference to FIGURE 4A, authorization to access a meter is obtained dynamically when the mobile meter reader interacts with a meter in the field. In this instance, the dynamic authorization routine 400 and the access routine 500 may be performed at or near the same time. Alternatively, receiving authorization to access one or more meters from the host computing system 110 may occur as a batch process with digital signatures being cached in storage on the mobile meter reader. In either instance, the access routine 500 implements logic that allows a mobile meter reader to gain secure access to a meter using an authorization provided by the host computing system 110.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGURE 5, the access routine 500 begins at block 502 where a mobile meter reader formulates and transmits an authorization command to establish a secure session with a meter. In one embodiment, the authorization command includes a timestamp, authorization level, digital signature, as well as unique identifiers for the mobile meter reader and meter that will participate in the secure session. As mentioned previously, the mobile meter reader is configured to perform two-way communications with a meter utilizing existing AMI/AMR protocols. Accordingly, the formulation and transmission of the authorization command, at block 502, may include encapsulating command data into a standardized message format.

[0033] Upon receiving the authorization command, the meter uses a public key to decode the received digital signature, at block 504. Once the digital signature is decoded, a determination is made, at block 506, regarding whether the authorization command includes a set of valid parameters that will allow a secure session to be established. In particular, decoding the digital signature and calculating a hash value may indicate that the authentication command included a forged or invalid digital signature. By way of another example, the authorization command may not include the correct serial number of the meter being accessed. Moreover, aspects of the present disclosure allow a service provider to issue an authorization that is limited to a specific time window. Accordingly, the timestamp received in the authentication command is compared to the time window in which authorized access was granted. The result of the comparison may indicate that the received digital signature has expired. In these instances when a secure session with the meter will not be permitted, the result of the test performed at block 506 is "no" and the access routine 500 proceeds to block 510, where it terminates. When access is denied, error handling may be performed to notify the mobile meter reader of the access violation. In addition, the attempted access may be memorialized or "logged" on the meter and subsequently used to detect attempts at tampering with the meter. Conversely, if valid parameters are provided in the authorization command and a secure session with the meter will be established, the result of the test performed at block 506 is "yes" and the routine 500 proceeds to block 508.

[0034] At block 508 of the dynamic authentication routine 500, a secure session with the meter is established. If block 508 is reached, the authentication command received by a meter provided valid parameters that will allow a secure session to be established. During the secure session, a series of encrypted messages may be exchanged. In this regard, the secure session has associated cryptographic keys for encoding and decoding messages without having to perform any additional authentications. Even though a secure session is established, the authority of the mobile meter reader 200 to access specific procedures of the meter 102 may be limited. As mentioned previously, the mobile meter reader 200 is allocated a particular authorization level by the host computing system 110. In other words, a service provider is able to limit authorizations to a level that is necessary to perform the desired tasks. When procedures of the meter are accessed during the secure session, a check is performed to determine whether sufficient authorization exists to activate the procedure. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosed subject matter allow a service provider to control, manage, and limit the procedures that may be performed during the secure session, thereby providing an additional layer of security against unauthorized tampering. In any event, the duration of the secure session may be explicitly terminated or "timeout" after pre-determined amount of time. Once the secure session closes, the access routine 500 proceeds to block 510, where it terminates.

[0035] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. In a metering environment configured with devices for executing computer-executable instructions, a method of securely accessing a meter from a mobile meter reader, the method comprising:

issuing a request for authorization to access the meter, the request for authorization being issued from the mobile meter reader to a host computing system;

if the mobile meter reader maintains sufficient rights to access the meter, receiving an authorization from the host computing system having a digital signature that uniquely identifies an authorized entity, the digital signature being provided without distributing a private key used for encoding the digital signature to the mobile meter reader; and

formulating and transmitting an authorization command to the meter from the mobile meter reader, wherein the authorization command includes the digital signature received from the host computing system.

2. The method as recited in Claim 1, further comprising decoding the digital signature at the meter, determining whether the digital signature is authentic, and if the digital signature is authentic establishing a secure session between the meter and the mobile meter reader.

3. The method as recited in Claim 2, wherein encrypted data is transmitted between the meter and mobile meter reader during the secure session.

4. The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the authorization command is formulated to leverage a public key on the meter used for authenticating communications performed over a fixed network to decode the digital signature.

5. The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein issuing a request for authorization to access the meter from the mobile meter reader includes identifying a unique identifier associated with the meter that is scheduled to be accessed from the mobile meter reader.

6. The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the request for authorization is issued to the host computing system dynamically over an IP-based network connection.

7. The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the request for authorization is issued to the host computing system as a batch process that identifies multiple meters scheduled to be accessed.

8. The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the authorization to access the meter provided by the host computing system is configured to terminate after a pre-determined period of time.

9. The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the authorization provided by the host computing system is configured with an access level that defines which procedures on the meter that may be activated by the mobile meter reader.

10. A system to prevent an unauthorized entity from tampering with a meter, the system comprising:

at least one host computing device configured to receive a request for authorization to access the meter from a mobile meter reader and provide a digital signature to the mobile meter reader that uniquely identifies an authorized entity if the mobile meter reader has sufficient rights to access the meter;

a mobile meter reader operative to request authorization to access the meter, receive a digital signature generated by the host computing device, and formulate an authorization command for transmission to the meter to activate a secure procedure of the meter;

a meter configured to decode the digital signature and allow activation of the secure procedure if the digital signature is authentic; and

wherein activation of the secure procedure occurs without providing the mobile meter reader with access to a private key that is used to encode the digital signature.

11. The system as recited in Claim 10, wherein the host computing device maintains a centralized data store for tracking which meters may be accessed by the mobile meter reader.

12. The system as recited in Claim 10, wherein an access level is defined in the authorization provided by the host computer system and wherein the meter is further configured to determine whether the mobile meter reader has sufficient access rights to activate the secure procedure.

13. The system as recited in Claim 10, wherein the authentication command includes a time stamp and wherein the meter is further configured to compare the time stamp provided by the mobile meter reader with a predetermined time window to determine whether the digital signature generated by the host computing system expired.

14. The system as recited in Claim 10, wherein the authentication command formulated by the mobile meter reader includes a meter serial number and the meter is further configured to compare an actual serial number with the serial number provided by the mobile meter reader.

15. A mobile meter reader configured to exchange secure communications with a meter, comprising:

a processor;

an interface for communicating data between the mobile meter reader and a host computing system;

a radio-based communication device for communicating data between the mobile meter reader and a meter;

a computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the mobile meter reader to:

request and receive authorization from the host computing system to access the meter;

formulate an authorization command for transmission to the meter having a digital signature encoded at the host computing system; and

establish a secure session with the meter, wherein a key used by the mobile meter reader to encode data during the secure session is separate from a private key used at the host computing system to encode the digital signature.

16. The mobile meter reader as recited in Claim 15, wherein the authentication command formulated by the mobile meter reader is configured to leverage the asymmetric public key used for decoding communications received by the meter over a fixed network to decode the digital signature.

17. The mobile meter reader as recited in Claim 15, wherein the digital signature for accessing the meter is obtained dynamically over an IP-based network in response to interacting with the meter in the field.

18. The mobile meter reader as recited in Claim 15, wherein the digital signature for accessing the meter is obtained as a batch process that identifies multiple meters scheduled to be accessed.

19. The mobile meter reader as recited in Claim 15, wherein to formulate the authorization command includes satisfying a password-protected login procedure with the meter.

20. The mobile meter reader as recited in Claim 15, wherein the authorization command includes at least a current time stamp, an authorization level, and a unique identifier associated with the meter being accessed.

Ansprüche

1. In einer Messumgebung, ausgestaltet mit Vorrichtungen zum Ausführen computerausführbarer Instruktionen, Verfahren zum sicheren Zugriff auf einen Zähler von einer mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:

Ausgeben einer Anfrage für die Autorisierung zum Zugriff auf den Zähler, wobei die Anfrage zur Autorisierung von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung an ein Host-Computersystem ausgegeben wird;

wenn die mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung ausreichende Rechte für den Zugriff auf den Zähler aufweist, Empfangen einer Autorisierung vom Host-Computersystem, die eine digitale Signatur aufweist, welche eine autorisierte Einheit eindeutig identifiziert, wobei die digitale Signatur vorgesehen wird, ohne an die mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung einen privaten Schlüssel auszugeben, der zur Codierung der digitalen Signatur verwendet wird; und

Formulieren und Übermitteln eines Autorisierungs-Befehls von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung an den Zähler, wobei der Autorisierungs-Befehl die digitale Signatur enthält, die vom Host-Computersystem empfangen wurde.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend das Decodieren der digitalen Signatur im Zähler, das Bestimmen, ob die digitale Signatur authentisch ist, und wenn die digitale Signatur authentisch ist, das Aufbauen einer sicheren Sitzung zwischen dem Zähler und der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei während der sicheren Sitzung verschlüsselte Daten zwischen dem Zähler und der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung übermittelt werden.

4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Autorisierungs-Befehl formuliert wird, um einen öffentlichen Schlüssel auf dem Zähler zu nutzen, der zur Authentifizierung von Kommunikationen verwendet wird, die über ein festes Netzwerk durchgeführt werden, um die digitale Signatur zu decodieren.

5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Ausgeben einer Anfrage für die Autorisierung zum Zugriff auf den Zähler von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung einschließt, eine mit dem Zähler, auf den von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung planmäßig zugegriffen werden soll, assoziierte eindeutige Kennung zu identifizieren.

6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Anfrage für die Autorisierung dynamisch über eine auf IP basierende Netzwerkverbindung zum Host-Computersystem ausgegeben wird.

7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Anfrage für die Autorisierung als Batch-Prozess, der mehrere Zähler identifiziert, auf die planmäßig zugegriffen werden soll, zum Host-Computersystem ausgegeben wird.

8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die vom Host-Computersystem bereitgestellte Autorisierung für den Zugriff auf den Zähler ausgestaltet ist, nach einer vorher festgelegten Zeit zu enden.

9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die vom Host-Computersystem bereitgestellte Autorisierung mit einer Zugriffsstufe ausgestaltet ist, die definiert, welche Maßnahmen auf dem Zähler durch die mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung aktiviert werden dürfen.

10. System zum Verhindern, dass eine nicht autorisierte Einheit einen Zähler manipuliert, wobei das System umfasst:

mindestens eine Host-Computer-Vorrichtung, ausgestaltet eine Anfrage für die Autorisierung zum Zugriff auf den Zähler von einer mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung zu empfangen und eine digitale Signatur an die mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung bereitzustellen, die eine autorisierte Einheit eindeutig identifiziert, wenn die mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung ausreichende Rechte zum Zugriff auf den Zähler aufweist.

eine mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung, in der Weise betriebsfähig, eine Autorisierung für den Zugriff auf den Zähler anzufragen, eine von der Host-Computer-Vorrichtung erzeugte digitale Signatur zu empfangen, und einen Autorisierungs-Befehl zur Übermittlung zum Zähler zu formulieren, um eine sichere Maßnahme des Zählers zu aktivieren.

einen Zähler, ausgestaltet zum Decodieren der digitalen Signatur und zum Erlauben der Aktivierung der sicheren Maßnahme, wenn die digitale Signatur authentisch ist; und

wobei eine Aktivierung der sicheren Maßnahme stattfindet, ohne für die mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung einen Zugang zu einem privaten Schlüssel vorzusehen, der dazu benutzt wird, die digitale Signatur zu codieren.

11. System nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Host-Computer-Vorrichtung einen zentralisierten Datenspeicher unterhält, um nachzuverfolgen, auf welche Zähler von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung zugegriffen werden darf.

12. System nach Anspruch 10, wobei in der vom Host-Computersystem bereitgestellten Autorisierung eine Zugriffsstufe definiert ist, und wobei der Zähler ferner ausgestaltet ist, festzustellen, ob die mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung ausreichende Zugriffsrechte zum Aktivieren der sicheren Maßnahme aufweist.

13. System nach Anspruch 10, wobei der Autorisierungs-Befehl einen Zeitstempel enthält und wobei der Zähler ferner ausgestaltet ist, den von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung bereitgestellten Zeitstempel mit einem vorgegebenen Zeitfenster zu vergleichen, um festzustellen, ob die vom Host-Computersystem erzeugte digitale Signatur abgelaufen ist.

14. System nach Anspruch 10, wobei der von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung formulierte Autorisierungs-Befehl eine Zähler-Seriennummer enthält und der Zähler ferner ausgestaltet ist, eine aktuelle Seriennummer mit der von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung bereitgestellten Seriennummer zu vergleichen.

15. Mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung, ausgestaltet zum Austausch sicherer Kommunikationen mit einem Zähler, umfassend:

einen Prozessor;

eine Schnittstelle zur Kommunikation von Daten zwischen der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung und einem Host-Computersystem;

eine auf Funk basierende Kommunikationsvorrichtung zur Kommunikation von Daten zwischen der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung und einem Zähler;

ein computerlesbares Medium mit Computer-ausführbaren Instruktionen, die wenn sie durch den Prozessor ausgeführt werden, bewirken, dass die mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung:

eine Autorisierung zum Zugriff auf den Zähler vom Host-Computersystem anfragt und empfängt;

einen Autorisierungs-Befehl zur Übermittlung zum Zähler formuliert, der eine digitale Signatur aufweist, die im Host-Computersystem codiert wurde; und

eine sichere Sitzung mit dem Zähler aufbaut, wobei ein von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung zum Codieren von Daten verwendeter Schlüssel während der sicheren Sitzung von einem im Host-Computersystem zum Codieren der digitalen Signatur verwendeten privaten Schlüssel getrennt ist.

16. Mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung nach Anspruch 15, wobei der von der mobilen Zähler-Leseeinrichtung formulierte Autorisierungs-Befehl ausgestaltet ist, den asymmetrischen öffentlichen Schlüssel, der zur Decodierung von durch den Zähler über ein festes Netzwerk empfangenen Kommunikationen verwendet wird, zu nutzen, um die digitale Signatur zu decodieren.

17. Mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung nach Anspruch 15, wobei die digitale Signatur zum Zugriff auf den Zähler dynamisch über ein auf IP basierendes Netzwerk als Antwort auf eine Interaktion mit dem Zähler vor Ort erhalten wird.

18. Mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung nach Anspruch 15, wobei die digitale Signatur zum Zugriff auf den Zähler als Batch-Prozess erhalten wird, der mehrere Zähler identifiziert, auf die planmäßig zugegriffen werden soll.

19. Mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung nach Anspruch 15, wobei die Formulierung des Autorisierungs-Befehls einschließt, eine passwortgeschützte Login-Maßnahme beim Zähler zu erfüllen.

20. Mobile Zähler-Leseeinrichtung nach Anspruch 15, wobei der Autorisierungs-Befehl mindestens einen aktuellen Zeitstempel, eine Autorisierungsstufe und eine mit dem Zähler, auf den zugegriffen werden soll, verbundene eindeutige Kennung einschließt.

Revendications

1. Méthode, dans un environnement de mesure configuré avec des dispositifs pour exécuter des instructions exécutables par ordinateur, pour accéder en sécurité à un compteur depuis un lecteur de mesure mobile, la méthode comprenant les étapes suivantes:

émettre une demande d'autorisation pour accéder au compteur, la demande d'autorisation étant émise depuis le lecteur de mesure mobile vers un système informatique hôte;

si le lecteur de mesure mobile maintient des droits suffisants pour accéder au compteur, recevoir depuis le système informatique hôte une autorisation possédant une signature numérique qui identifie univoquement une entité autorisée, la signature numérique étant fournie sans distribuer une clé privée utilisée pour codifier la signature numérique vers le lecteur de mesure mobile; et

formuler et transmettre une commande d'autorisation vers le compteur depuis le lecteur de mesure mobile, sachant que la commande d'autorisation contient la signature numérique reçue depuis le système informatique hôte.

2. Méthode selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre de décoder la signature numérique dans le compteur, de déterminer si la signature numérique est authentique et, si la signature numérique est authentique, établir une session sécurisée entre le compteur et le lecteur de mesure mobile.

3. Méthode selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle des données cryptées sont transmises entre le compteur et le lecteur de mesure mobile durant la session sécurisée.

4. Méthode selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la commande d'autorisation est formulée pour exploiter une clé publique sur le compteur utilisée pour authentifier les communications exécutées via un réseau fixe pour décoder la signature numérique.

5. Méthode selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'émission d'une demande d'autorisation pour accéder au compteur depuis le lecteur de mesure mobile comprend d'identifier un identificateur unique associé au compteur qui est programmé pour être accessible depuis le lecteur de mesure mobile.

6. Méthode selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la demande d'autorisation est émise de manière dynamique vers le système informatique hôte via une connexion réseau basée sur IP.

7. Méthode selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la demande d'autorisation est émise vers le système informatique hôte en tant que processus de traitement par lots qui identifie plusieurs compteurs programmés pour être accessibles.

8. Méthode selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'autorisation d'accéder au compteur fournie par le système informatique hôte est configurée pour se terminer après une période de temps prédéterminée.

9. Méthode selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'autorisation fournie par le système informatique hôte est configurée avec un niveau d'accès qui définit quelles procédures sur le compteur peuvent être activées par le lecteur de mesure mobile.

10. Système pour empêcher qu'une entité non autorisée ne manipule un compteur, le système comprenant:

au moins un dispositif informatique hôte configuré pour recevoir une demande d'autorisation d'accès au compteur depuis un lecteur de mesure mobile, et fournir au lecteur de mesure mobile une signature numérique qui identifie univoquement une entité autorisée si le lecteur de mesure mobile possède des droits suffisants pour accéder au compteur;

un lecteur de mesure mobile opérationnel pour demander une autorisation d'accès au compteur, recevoir une signature numérique générée par le dispositif informatique hôte et formuler une commande d'autorisation pour la transmission vers le compteur pour activer une procédure sécurisée du compteur;

un compteur configuré pour décoder la signature numérique et autoriser l'activation de la procédure sécurisée si la signature numérique est authentique; et

dans lequel l'activation de la procédure sécurisée intervient sans que soit fourni au lecteur de mesure mobile l'accès à une clé privée qui est utilisée pour codifier la signature numérique.

11. Système selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le dispositif informatique hôte maintient un magasin de données centralisées pour suivre à quels compteurs le lecteur de mesure mobile peut accéder.

12. Système selon la revendication 10, dans lequel un niveau d'accès est défini dans l'autorisation fourni par le dispositif informatique hôte et dans lequel le compteur est en outre configuré pour déterminer si le lecteur de mesure mobile possède des droits d'accès suffisants pour activer la procédure sécurisée.

13. Système selon la revendication 10, dans lequel la commande d'authentification contient un marquage temporel et dans lequel le compteur est en outre configuré pour comparer le marquage temporel fourni par le lecteur de mesure mobile avec une fenêtre temporelle prédéterminée pour déterminer si la signature numérique générée par le dispositif informatique hôte a expiré.

14. Système selon la revendication 10, dans lequel la commande d'authentification formulée par le lecteur de mesure mobile contient un numéro de série de compteur et le compteur est en outre configuré pour comparer un numéro de série actuel avec le numéro de série fourni par le lecteur de mesure mobile.

15. Lecteur de mesure mobile configuré pour échanger des communications sécurisée avec un compteur, comportant :

un processeur;

une interface pour communiquer des données entre le lecteur de mesure mobile et un système informatique hôte;

un dispositif de communication basé radio pour communiquer des données entre le lecteur de mesure mobile et un compteur;

un média assimilable par ordinateur possédant des instructions exécutables par ordinateur qui, lorsqu'elles sont exécutées par le processeur, font en sorte que le lecteur de mesure mobile:

demande et reçoive une autorisation depuis le système informatique hôte pour accéder au compteur;

formule une commande d'autorisation pour la transmission au compteur, possédant une signature numérique codifiée par le système informatique hôte; et

établisse une session sécurisée .avec le compteur, sachant qu'une clé utilisée par le lecteur de mesure mobile pour codifier des données durant la session sécurisée est distincte d'une clé privée utilisée dans le système informatique hôte pour codifier la signature numérique.

16. Lecteur de mesure mobile selon la revendication 15, dans lequel la commande d'authentification formulée par le lecteur de mesure mobile est configurée pour exploiter la clé publique asymétrique utilisée pour décoder les communications reçues par le compteur via un réseau fixe pour décoder la signature numérique.

17. Lecteur de mesure mobile selon la revendication 15, dans lequel la signature numérique pour accéder au compteur est obtenue de manière dynamique via un réseau basé sur IP en réponse à l'interaction avec le compteur sur le terrain.

18. Lecteur de mesure mobile selon la revendication 15, dans lequel la signature numérique pour accéder au compteur est obtenue dans un processus de traitement par lots qui identifie plusieurs compteurs programmés pour être accessibles.

19. Lecteur de mesure mobile selon la revendication 15, dans lequel la formulation de la commande d'autorisation comprend de satisfaire à une procédure d'entrée en session protégée par mot de passe sur le compteur.

20. Lecteur de mesure mobile selon la revendication 15, dans lequel la commande d'autorisation comprend au moins une marque temporelle actuelle, un niveau d'autorisation et un identificateur unique associé avec le compteur auquel a lieu l'accès.

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